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Story by
nathangerard
Published on June 30, 2009 in This Handmade Life |
Photo by Nathan Gerard |
High school graduation never looked this good. As his senior project, Nathan Hoeffel put together his own fashion show with his original designs. His work earned him the prestigious Gold Key Award, and he recently traveled to New York City for the award ceremony at Carnegie Hall. On Etsy, this teen from Indiana is starting a new shop under his moniker nathangerard. You can see more of his clothing in his first shop thishotmess.
I have always been interested in design — it's just a part of who I am. When I realized that I could get this sense of creative power and fulfillment from clothing, I decided to dive right into it, going online and looking up every article on the subject. I used to search tirelessly to figure out which brand or designer would set the trends for the world in the coming seasons. Only after all this searching for the "cult-status" designer was I able to realize that one voice does not echo louder than the rest. It is instead a collective melody, sung from the industry, that defines a season. If you are able to follow closely and keep your thumb on the pulse of things, determining what comes next will occur naturally. 
Now, as I look back on this, I realize how trivial this search was. The truth of the matter is simple: if you can make your customer fall in love with what you like, no matter the season, you will always have a business and it will always be current for your client. Once I realized this, my perspective on garment-making changed forever.
As a senior in high school, I finally decided to give this clothing thing a go for a school project. I created a recycled jacket and pair of pants, fully painted and embellished with all sorts of cool recycled objects. As an independent art student, it was my job to take a basic theme and translate it into a piece with my own personal touch. 
When the class was assigned the project simply titled "Line," I began thinking immediately of zillions of lines wrapping around the body. I am a clothing designer, after all, and this concept inevitably morphed into a dress. Soon, it all came together in my mind, a dress made entirely of tulle. The bodice, I decided, would be wrapped in black Chinese braid, and the bottom would consist of layers and layers of tulle, thirty-five to be exact.
As soon as I sketched the piece, I immediately began construction. First came the bottom piece with the ruffles, approximately twenty yards of tulle came together to complete it. Then came the bodice, finished off with around ten yards of Chinese braid and a big jacket zipper in the back. The piece took around thirty hours to create, and as I am a confessed workaholic, it was completed for school the next Monday. I brought the dress into school, ironically covered with a big trash bag. I prayed that the material, which is as flimsy as a tissue, would not rip.
The unveiling of the dress was set to occur in fifth period, and before I could even get into the room, my art teacher had called in the principle, vice principle and all the ladies in the front office and guidance office. I brought the piece out on a mannequin, from which I had based the pattern, and the room was silent. Then came swoons from the women exclaiming its magnificence and "Cher-like" quality.
The piece was displayed in the front halls until it was time for the local Scholastic Art and Writing Awards which are held throughout the country. I entered the piece and was thrilled when I received the news that it had won a Gold Key Award, the highest level. I then found out that my portfolio had won Gold Key as well.
At the ceremony, I was shocked when I learned that my tulle dress had also won the prestigious American Vision Award, which meant that the piece would be forwarded to New York on the national level.
In English class a few weeks later, my art teacher came rushing in, exclaiming that I had won a Gold Key on the national level for my dress. I learned that it was to be displayed in Carnegie Hall in New York City, my favorite city in the world. I was ecstatic, I knew this meant a trip to the "Big Apple."
Considering the fact that I was on a high from my new award, I decided to take on a risky project. I planned to put together a collection for a senior show— a project usually done by seniors in college. I decided to aim for a collection of around eighteen looks with evening and ready-to-wear pieces.
I began with the concept of a black and white sensory overload. This soon developed into what was described as "ballerina meets Wall Street" by one of my friends. I knew that if I was going to hand make every single piece of clothing, I would have to do what felt right without going off of sketches.
This collection is my first, and is perhaps the purest expression of what I believe. The most important thing a piece of clothing can do is help a woman look like the most beautiful, sophisticated and empowered version of herself. This collection was not about theatrics or some over the top exploitation of a woman, it was about pieces in a wardrobe that make a woman feel good about herself.
Because the collection morphed into one with multiple textures and fabric weights, i.e. fur, organza, plastic and tulle, it did not seem fitting to label it as a collection tied to a particular season. This is where the title, 001. came from. In today's climate, it is especially important to be able to pull a piece of clothing off the rack and recognize the flexibility of that piece. You may be in Palm Beach in December and need a flowy dress, or you may be in New York in December and need a big fur coat. You can get either of those pieces from this one collection. Using a number instead of seasons also allowed me to be spontaneous in my design.
For college I plan to study visual communications at the IUPUI Herron School of Art in Indianapolis and continue my fashion business on the side, believe me, this is just the beginning!
See Nathan's Storque post from last year. (We knew this Hoosier was destined for greatness!)
85 comments Login to add your own!
PersistentGreen
Many congratulations to Nathan! He's off to an exciting and successful start. I just love the second dress pictured--"ballerina meets Wall Street." Perfect. :) Can't wait to see what he does next!
VintageEye
beautifulbridget
soulflower
contrulations and good luck! how lucky to rewarded for hard work so young!
sewlola
i love his tulle dress!!! congratulations and good luck with your new shop!
worksofwhimsy
Wow. I'm always so impressed with artists who find their passion at a young age. Congratulations!
joannafrombama
Nathan, I'm glad to see that you are going on to study in Visual Communications...the fashion business is not easy ... but don't give up! You've got talent and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. :0)
foamywader
Love2BInspired
Wow! That is a way to jumpstart your life for sure. Wish I would have been that talented in high school. Keep up the wonderful work, you will be on Vogue in no time.
4TheSparrowsNest
elizandaxel
Congratulations Nathan! That tulle dress is incredible and so impressive especially coming from such a young designer. You certainly have a bright future ahead of you! :)
oohvintage
evihan
Madamedgar
zwzzy
oyster
KanhoroZG
wow. right where i live too :p, but im going for apparel design for ball state
SeleneMoonLighting
Love it all! Wonderful creations- There needs to be more focus on design (of all sorts) in the education system.
SkyDreams
How inspiring and uplifting story!
Can't believe how talented and mature you are!
You certainly have a bright future ahead of you!~
LoveLeeSoaps
SeaFindDesigns
KOALACaddie
Congratulations! Someday when Nathan is world famous, we'll say: You know, I loved his shop at Etsy.com when he was just getting started!
KnotOriginal
onepixel
Congratulations! Can't wait until you're famous at fashion week!
baconsquarefarm
Wow you are one talented young man with such unique designs you go outside the box. Congrats to you~ Wish you only success in the future.
beccamari
TipsyTimeMachine
Congratulations for your awards, and your first online sale. That ruffled skirt is very sweet.
jessiemccann
FashionTouch
Congrats! I am sure a huge success is awating this young gentleman! Good luck to you in your passion
soundcatalogue
steampunkjunk
What an inspirational article. I teach steampunk as a visiting artist every year at a couple of high schools and some of these up and coming young artists are just amazing! Way to go Nathan! :)
DeborahVoizin
JuneB
Um.... wow! How exciting to see someone with such talent just starting out. I can't wait to see what's next!
RetroHouse
Very much looking forward to your new shop - You have great talent.
nathangerard
Thanks so much everyone! if you want to see the collection in its entirety go to nathangerard.com
->collections ->001. lookbook but feel free to brouse! All of your comments are so uplifting, you guys rock!
CityChicCountryMouse
Wow look at you! You've got a bright future ahead of you! Can't wait to see what you accomplish next! Best wishes!
odiliafu
BeadsInTheBelfry
What an inspiring story!
Congrats on your award but more importantly congrats on going for it. I went your look book and there were several pieces that I would personally love in my wardrobe... :D
VintageZen
shoshanna2003
Nathan all of your pieces are extremely original and special. As a fashion designer myself I truly admire your work and you are such an inpiration as such a young age. I am really proud of you and thanks for being an inspiration.
Congradulations!!!
rctees
Oh my goodness Nathan, what a wonderfully ambitious and talented young man.
Much success to you!!
Congrats all around!!
ArgyleWhale
Congrats nathan! That is exciting. I got a gold key when I was in high school too and it was one of my proudest moments!
ClaudiaLord
OliviaOlivia
erinschock
zeropumpkin
SweetwaterGifts
BabbidgePatch
nathangerard
thanks again everyone! also, if your interested you can view the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bktMFX... unfortunately the quality is low but you can get the overall vibe. enjoy!
mybirch
jodieflowers
yestreen
JAdamsDesigns
steinschmuckdesign
soule
Radness
kidacollective
How cool! Congratulations on all your success so far... and much more to come.
amysfunkyfibers
Wow Nathan! The article says it all, great job. You have a wonderful future ahead of you!
bunnyboutique
So impressed!!! All so very well made. Love the 3/4 t-shirt too.
mythunderstood
bobnstitch
VixVintage
Oh Nathan we have just begun to hear about you! Congrats from a fellow Hoosier.
XPoppysWickedGardenX
Wonderful! A brilliant young man! Don't think you'll need any luck with your future, you know where you are going;)
rockzeecouture
Believe....and you shall become. Stay confidant Nathan, You have a true gift!
DaniellesDesigns
mgilinfo
CutieDynamite
norakaren
awesome...I really enjoyed this article.I'm all for new talent and that black and white dress is HAUTE COUTURE!
DAINTYCROCHETBYALY
My best wishes to him!!
He is brilliant,
Very talented :-) :-)
LisaFerinDesigns
Congratulations Nathan! Thanks for a giving us a peak at someone who I think we'll see a lot of in the future!
Asianexpressions
plainbeautiful
Love the dresses. Never considered the line idea until today. Awesome!
RiasRegalos
Absolutely beautiful! You have an amazing talent. As a teacher myself, I love to see students capture what they dream!
mylittleaura
Wow this boy is an inspiration!!!!
love his photos and the dress is just beautiful, good luck with his new store:)
perfectsixtynine
themefragrance
Hey Nathan, Congrats on the Scholastic Award...My daughter was a recipient last year. You will remember Carnegie Hall for the rest of your life-I hope it inspires you to live the creative life! Winning National is a great honor- your work will be on display as an inspiration for other kids. Hope to read and see more of your work.
For other parents and teens on Etsy-
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
artandwriting.org
capitolagirl
annasbowtique
Nathan, Your work is wonderful. I am a retired home economics teacher, and I certainly know the joy that your teachers feel in seeing you succeed and excel.My best to you in your future endeavors while on this journey we call life. Enjoy!
LoverlyMiss
I'm so glad I stumbled upon this! I checked out Nathan's creations and each piece is great!
richmade
tinyspace
Scallyrags
girlchild
reminds me of my brother. He was obviously an illustrator-to-be in middle school - my mom was his biggest fan, and he's now just signed a deal with Simon & Schuster for a three-book deal.
I'll keep my eye on Nathan!! Congrats!!
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